The new Smart-Ex® 03 smartphone paves the way for future-oriented digitalization of hazardous areas
ThPepperl+Fuchs presents the intrinsically safe Smart-Ex® 03, a new and resilient 5G- and Wi-Fi 6-enabled smartphone. The 6-inch device combines all the expertise and know-how of the Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiaries ECOM Instruments as a pioneer in intrinsically safe mobile devices, and Aava Mobile as an expert in industrial tablets and wireless technologies. In addition, the smartphone scores with global, competent, and customer-oriented support.
The smartphone, approved for use in Zone 1/21 and DIV 1, with AndroidTM 13 operating system complies with the latest technical standards such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM and is therefore ideally equipped for flexible worldwide use in public and private networks of mobile network providers or companies. Thanks to fast and security-focused transmission of large amounts of data, users benefit from state-of-the-art functions for communication and collaboration. These include, for example, remote support, video conferencing, or digital radio communication with lowest latency by means of Push-to-Talk over cellular (PTToC).
“We have built up profound expertise in communication infrastructures over many years, which is also manifested in our cooperation with Ericsson. We have incorporated this expertise into the development of the Smart-Ex® 03. As a result, users in hazardous areas in a wide range of industries benefit from a resilient 5G- and Wi-Fi 6-enabled smartphone that supports the latest technical standards and ensures outstanding connectivity,” explains Jörg Hartleb, Head of Product Management for Mobile Computing and Communications at Pepperl+Fuchs.
Created for a wide range of applications
Another advantage: with the Qualcomm® QCM6490 processor the Smart-Ex® 03 is predestined for a wide range of applications such as communication, digital workflows and work order management, operational safety, scanning, asset management, predictive maintenance, augmented reality applications, or IoT integration. “The Smart-Ex® 03 advanced 5G rugged device is powered by the Qualcomm QCM6490 processor with international wireless connectivity support for ubiquitous coverage. The QCM6490 combines premium tier features, intelligent computing, and on-device AI for powerful long-term performance even in the toughest environments, such as the oil, gas, chemical, or hydrogen industries” adds Sebastiano Di Filippo, Senior Director, Business Development at Qualcomm Europe, Inc.
The smartphone has a state-of-the-art camera that precisely addresses the requirements of industry for scanning, documenting, or video conferencing. Even in harsh industrial environments or in sunlight, the camera delivers accurate, high-quality results. The Smart-Ex® 03 offers companies resilient technology and outstanding connectivity, especially in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, energy, and mining. In line with the Pepperl+Fuchs “Enterprise Mobility” concept, the smartphone ensures maximum efficiency in terms of digitalization and cost savings.
Thanks to the desktop mode and full support of the USB 3.1 Type-C standard, the Smart-Ex® 03 can be connected directly to a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse via a multiport adapter or a docking station and thus can serve as a fully-fledged replacement for an office PC. This not only facilitates the further use of the data collected in the facility, which does not have to be transferred to another device first but can be transferred to the company network via a direct Ethernet connection. In addition, there is no need to provide a fixed workstation for mobile workers who only occasionally work in the office. As a further convenience and, above all, security feature, the Smart-Ex® 03 is the only intrinsically safe smartphone on the market to offer a fingerprint sensor that allows unlocking without entering a code and provides additional security thanks to multi-factor authentication.
Innovative security architecture
The successor to the Smart-Ex® 02, redesigned from the ground up, impresses with a further developed safety architecture, which is particularly effective when used in potentially explosive areas. This includes, for example, hardware and software self-monitoring by means of device health monitoring.
Sophisticated diagnostic tools, detailed log files and remote control by corporate IT pave the way for continuous device monitoring and targeted problem solving. Competent support from corporate IT or, if required, from Pepperl+Fuchs ensures optimum device availability. In addition, users benefit from the worldwide sales and service network with over 80 company-owned locations as well as remote support from Pepperl+Fuchs. This always guarantees direct contact and availability of highly qualified experts.
5G for brilliant connectivity
The 5G radio standard in particular allows the Smart-Ex® 03, which also supports 5G Standalone (SA), to provide outstanding connectivity. 5G has paved the way for industry 4.0 by significantly accelerating machine-to-machine communication.
The manufacturer is currently in the process of having the Smart-Ex® 03 smartphone tested and approved by international mobile network operators to ensure optimal network performance – including T-Mobile US, Vodafone, Orange, Telefónica, KPN, Claro, LG U+ and AT&T, among others. This will ensure optimal connectivity around the globe – on both public and private mobile networks. At the same time, device and network management is significantly simplified by eSIM. This means that network changes can be carried out flexibly and remotely without having to replace a physical SIM card. In addition to an eSIM, the Smart-Ex® 03 can also be used with a nano-SIM.
Cutting-edge operating system supports segmented networks
The software of the smartphone also meets the latest technical standards: with AndroidTM 13, the Smart-Ex® 03 has a cutting-edge operating system that optimally supports communication within segmented networks. The smartphone can, in the future, be upgraded to at least AndroidTM 15. The intrinsically safe Smart-Ex® 03 fulfils the high specifications for AndroidTM Enterprise Recommended and thus meets the highest demands in terms of business use and security. And last but not least, up to 128 GB of internal memory offer sufficient capacity for all the digital documents and records that mobile workers need during their assignments.
